Collins had Eric Clapton provide the guitar playing throughout the song. As Collins recalls, "I said 'Eric, have I never asked you to play? Come on, I've got a song right up your street.'" Collins felt that it was as close as he had ever gotten at the time to writing a blues song. Collins also felt that it was a Clapton song.
The song was a significant chart hit in 1989, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and #1 on the RPM Top 100 in Canada. It also reached #7 on the UK Singles Chart.
In Canada, it was the longest-running #1 single of 1990, spending six weeks atop the charts, and ranked as the top single of the year on RPM's year-end charts.
Wish It Would Rain
Phil Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I only passed by as a friend, yeah
All this time I stayed out of sight
I started wondering why
Now I, I wish it would rain down, down on me
Ooh yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now
Ooh yes I wish it would rain, down on me
You said you didn't need me in your life
Oh I guess you were right, yeah
Ooh I never meant to cause you no pain
But it looks like I did it again
Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me
Ooh yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now
Ooh girl I wish it would rain, down on me
Ooh yes I wish it would rain on me
Though your hurt is gone, mines hanging on, inside
And I know it's eating me through every night and day
I'm just waiting on your sign
'Cause I know, I know I never meant to cause you no pain
And I realize I let you down
But I know in my heart of heart of hearts
I know I'm never gonna hold you again
Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me
Oh you know I wish it would rain, rain down on me now
Ooh yes I wish it would rain, down on me
Yes you know I wish it would rain, rain down on me
Just rain down on me
The lyrics to Phil Collins's song I Wish It Would Rain Down is, essentially, about the regret of a man who has lost the love of his life due to his own mistakes. He starts by acknowledging that he never intended to see her again or cause her any pain, but fate brought him back into her life, if only as a friend. As time passes, he begins to question why he ever let her go and wished that the rain would come down and wash away his pain.
He admits that she was right in saying that she didn't need him in her life, and he never intended to hurt her, but he did it again. Even though she has moved on from the hurt, he is still holding onto it, waiting for a sign from her. He knows in his heart that he will never hold her again, and the rain that he desires is symbolic of his need for emotional release and cleansing.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness, an expression of regret, and a hope for closure. It is a classic example of Phil Collins's ability to write songs that are both soulful and emotional, with lyrics that are relatable to people from all walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I never meant to see you again
I didn't intend to meet you again
But I only passed by as a friend, yeah
I met you by chance and only as a friend
All this time I stayed out of sight
I tried to stay away from you
I started wondering why
I began to question why we drifted apart
Now I, I wish it would rain down, down on me
I wish something would help me wash away my pain
Ooh yes I wish it would rain, rain down on me now
I wish it would rain down, now
You said you didn't need me in your life
You told me that you don't need me in your life
Oh I guess you were right, yeah
I realize now that you were right
Ooh I never meant to cause you no pain
I didn't want to hurt you
But it looks like I did it again
But it seems that I hurt you again
Though your hurt is gone, mines hanging on, inside
You have moved on but I'm still hurting inside
And I know it's eating me through every night and day
It's affecting me every day and night
I'm just waiting on your sign
I'm waiting for some indication from you
Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me
Now I know that I want something to help me forget the pain
Oh you know I wish it would rain, rain down on me now
I really wish it would rain down, now
Yes you know I wish it would rain, down on me
I definitely want it to rain down on me
Yes you know I wish it would rain, rain down on me
I really wish it would rain down, now
Just rain down on me
I only need rain to help me wash away my pain
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Phil Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juanitaarrington3209
Is anyone else listening to this powerful song in 2023? A total classic and still brings tears to my eyes
@lindapearcr3138
Here in Idaho
@chucksugai2748
Here in Japan
@uedretrannoiscatherine3176
Here in New-Caledonia 🤗🤗
@margojulian1003
I'm listening 🤗
@margojulian1003
Here in Indiana 😳🤗💃
@godsofentropy
2024 and it is still a timeless classic. Anyone approves?
@sotv2045
Oh, go on then - have a thumbs up!
@stormyohan2183
Classic for sure an will be for years
@joelwelch5762
1 of my favorite videos. I love 💘 his music. Soon as I thought that I want to listen to AC/DC Highway to Hell.